NOLI ME TANGERE PUBLISHED IN BERLIN (1887)

The bleak winter of 1886 in Berlin was Rizal’s darkest winter because no money arrived from Calamba
and he was flat broke.

It was memorable in the life of Rizal for two reasons:

(1) it was a painful episode for he was hungry, sick and despondent in a strange city; and
(2) it brought him great joy after enduring so much sufferings, because his first novel, Noli Me
Tangere came off the press in March, 1887.

Noli Me Tangere came from a Latin phrase which means “Touch Me Not”, a biblical phrase from the
Gospel of St. Luke, although Rizal made a mistake since the Biblical source should have come from
John 20:13-17.

According to St. John on the First Easter Sunday, when Mary Magdalene visited the Holy Sepulchre
where the Lord has just risen, he said:

“Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father, but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I
ascend unto my Father and your Father, and to my God and your God.”

The cover of Noli Me Tangere was designed by Rizal. It is a sketch of explicit symbols. A woman’s
head atop a Maria Clara bodice represents the nation and the women, victims of the social cancer.
One of the causes of the cancer is symbolized in the friar’s feet, outsized in relation to the woman’s
head. The other aggravating causes of oppression and discrimination are shown in the guard’s helmet
and the iron chains, the teacher’s whip and the alferez’s scourge. A slight cluster of bamboo stands at
the backdrop; these are the people, forever in the background of their own country’s history. There
are cross, maze, flowers and thorny plants, a flame; these are indicative of the religious policy, the
misdirected ardor, the people strangled as a result of these all.

The Noli contains 63 chapters and an epilogue. He started writing the novel toward the end of 1884,
but finished only half of it. When he was in Paris in 1885, he finished writing the second half, while
the last few chapters were written in the months of April and June 1886. The Noli is a tale of frivolity,
drama, tragedy, humor and passion. It was dedicated to the Philippines – To My Fatherland.

My heart is wrapped with disappointment that due to the limited time allotted to this course and
considering the length of the novels, the original and unexpurgated versions will not be introduced.
Instead, the summary of events for each chapter will be discussed below.

NOLI ME TANGERE

Main Characters:

Juan Crisostomo Ibarra y Magsalin, commonly called Ibarra, came from a Filipino-Spanish
descent and is the only descendant of the wealthy Spaniard Don Rafael Ibarra. He was born and
raised in the Philippines, but upon his adolescence, he spent seven years studying in Europe. Those
years prevented him from knowing what was happening in his country. When he returned to the
Philippines, he found out that his father had died and the corpse was (supposedly) moved to a
Chinese cemetery (but the body ended up in a river). He heard tales of how helpful and kind his
father had been and decided to honor the memory of his father by doing as good as his father did.

María Clara de los Santos y Alba, is the most dominant yet weakest representation of women in
the setting. When thinking of Noli, the name of María Clara can be seen predominantly as the image
of the ideal Filipino woman. María Clara is the primary female character in the novel. She is the
daughter of Capitán Tiago and Doña Pía Alba. Doña Pía died while delivering Maria Clara. The poor
child grew under the guidance and supervision of Tíya Isabél, Capitán Tiago's cousin.
María Clara is known to be Ibarra's lover since childhood. When Ibarra was away in Europe, Capitán
Tiago sent Maria Clara to the Beaterio de Santa Clara where she developed into a lovely woman
under the strict guidance of the religious nuns.
Later in the novel, María Clara discovers that her biological father is not Capitán Tiago, but San
Diego's former curate and her godfather Padre Dámaso. After hearing about Ibarra's death, she
persuaded Padre Damaso to let her be endorsed into nunnery. Padre Damaso wouldn’t agree at first
but finally relented because of fear that Maria Clara might take her own life. She remained in the
nunnery and died before Ibarra (Simoun in El Fili) could rescue her.
Dámaso Verdolagas (commonly known as Padre Damaso or Father Damaso), of Franciscan order,
was the former curate of the parish church of San Diego. He was the curate for almost twenty years
before he was replaced by the much younger Padre Salvi. Padre Damaso was known to be friendly
with the Ibarra family, so much that Crisóstomo was surprised by what the former curate had done to
Don Rafaél.
Padre Dámaso is described to be a snobbish, ruthless and judgemental extrovert. He does not control
his words when speaking and does not care if the person he is talking to would feel embarrassed or
remorseful. He always berates or criticizes other people around him especially Ibarra. Enraged, Ibarra
once almost stabbed the priest after he embarrassed him in front of the people in the sacristy. This
made everyone think that he was slain before Ibarra was being issued for arrest.
There were also issues that he and Donya Pia had a relationship and also revealed that he is the
biological father of Maria Clara.
Don Santíago de los Santos, commonly known as Kapitán Tiago, is the only son of a wealthy
trader in Malabon. Due to his mother's cruelty, Kapitán Tiago did not attain any formal education. He
became a servant of a Dominican priest. When the priest and his father died, Kapitán Tiago decided
to assist in the family business of trading before he met his wife Doña Pía Alba, who came from
another wealthy family. Because of their consistent devotion to Santa Clara in Obando, they were
blessed with a daughter who shared the same features as Padre Dámaso, named Maria Clara.
Kapitán Tiago owned numerous properties in Pampanga, Laguna and especially, in San Diego. He
also managed boarding houses along Daang Anloague and Santo Cristo (in San Diego too) and had
contracts for opening an opium business.
He is close to the priests because he had given numerous contributions of money during ecclesiastical
donations and always invited the parish curate to every formal dinner. He was also entrenched with
the government because he always supported tax increases whenever the local officials wished. That
was the reason he obtained the title of gobernadorcillo, the highest government position that a non-
Spaniard could have in the Philippines.
Later in the Noli sequel, El Filibusterismo, Kapitán Tiago loses all his properties and becomes addicted
to opium, which eventually led to his death.
Don Anastacio, commonly known as Filósofo Tacio (Philosopher Tasyo) is one of the most
important characters in Noli. On one hand, he is referred to as a philosopher/sage (hence, Pilosopo
Tasyo) because his ideas were accurate with the minds of the townspeople. On the other hand, if his
ideas were against the thinking of the majority, he would be labeled the Imbecile Tacio (or Tasyong
Sintu-sinto) or the Lunatic Tacio (Tasyong Baliw).
Filósofo Tacio was born into a wealthy Filipino family. His mother gave her formal education, then
abruptly ordered him to stop. She feared Tasyo would become "too educated" and lose his faith and
devotion to religion. His mother gave him two choices: either go into the priesthood or stop his
education. Tasyo chose the latter because he had a girlfriend that time. Soon enough, they married
and after a year, he lost his wife and his mother. Most of his time was taken up in reading and buying
books that all his properties were lost and became poor.
Eliás came from a family which the Ibarra clan had oppressed for generations. He grew up in a
wealthy family until he discovered something that changed his life forever. Despite the reason that
Ibarra's family subjugated his own, he is entirely indebted towards Crisostomo. Ibarra became a
savior of Elias’ life when they tried to kill a crocodile. Elias, in turn, helped him before Ibarra got
arrested by burning his house. Elias and Ibarra continued supporting each other until Elias sacrificed
himself to help him one last time. He was shot by the guards (mistakenly took as Ibarra trying to dive
down the river to escape) and slowly died.
Doña Victorina de los Reyes de Espadaña is the one who pretended to be a meztisa (a Spaniard
born in the Philippines) and always dreamed of finding a Spanish husband, in which she married Don
Tiburcio. She was feared by everyone in the town because of her odd appearance, her ruthless
personality, and her fierce rivalry against Doña Consolacion.
It actually came to pass that she did not like Don Tiburcio. She merely forced herself to marry him
despite having fallen in love with Kapitan Tiago.
Narcisa is married to a man named Pedro. She is the mother of Crispin and Basillo. She depicts how
Filipino mothers love their children unquestionably.
After days when Crispin was held captive by Mang Tasyo, the owner of the sacristy, she was arrested
and locked up in jail. One day later, she was pardoned by the town Alferez and was released.
However, when she returned home, Basilio’s gone. When she found Crispin's clothes soaked with
blood, she became a lunatic as she continued finding her children.
At the end of the novel, Basilio grievously mourns for his mother as he found her dying under the
tree.
Doña Consolacíon, la musa de los guardias civiles y esposa del Alférez once a laundry
woman who worked for the town Alferez. She became wealthy after marrying a Spanish husband.
Despite that they are rivals with Donya Victorina, they have something in common.
Other Characters
 Tiya Isabel – the cousin of Capitan Tiago who took care of Maria Clara in her growing
years after her mother’s death.
 Idáy, Siniang, Victoria and Neneng – the friends of Maria Clara in San Diego. Idáy is a
beautiful girl who plays harp. Sinang is cheerful and naughty (Maria Clara's closest
friend), Victoria is Sinang's strict elder cousin. Neneng is quiet and shy.
 Andeng - Foster sister of Maria Clara who cooks well. She is the caretaker of Kapitan
Tiago's house in San Diego.
 Doña Pía Alba – She is the mother of María Clara and the wife of Kapitán Tiago. She
died after giving childbirth to María Clara.
 Capitana Ticâ and Capitan Basilio – The parents of Sinang (Kapitan Basilio is not the
same as Basilio)
 Albino – an ex-theological student who became disillusioned with the Catholic church
and who was in love with Siniang.
 Crispin and Basilio – the children of Sisa who served as sacristans in San Diego
Church
 Padre Salvi - He replaced Padre Damaso as a curate
 Padre Sibyla - A Dominican priest and former teacher. He was also a teacher of Ibarra
and a very helpful one to Padre Damaso especially during anomalies.
 Pedro – The father of Crispin and Basilio and the irresponsible husband of Sisa.
Chapter 1: A Social Gathering
The novel begins with a social gathering given in honor of a rich and young Filipino, Crisostomo
Ibarra, by his prospective father-in-law, Capitan Tiago (Santiago de los Santos) in the latter’s
residence at Calle Anloague.  While waiting for the meals to be served, the guests conversed with one
another.  Along with these conversations, the readers were introduced to some of the novel’s
characters, who were among the invited guests in the dinner party which included Padre Damaso, a
fat Franciscan friar who had been the parish curate for 20 years at San Diego (Calamba); Padre
Sibyla, a young Dominican parish priest at Binondo; Señor Guevarra, an elderly and kind Lieutenant
of Guardia Civil; Don Tiburcio, a fake Spanish physician, the lame and henpecked husband of Doña
Victorina and others.

Chapter 2: Crisostomo Ibarra

Capitan Tiago entered the sala to introduce Juan Crisostomo Ibarra y Magsalin to the guests.
Crisostomo, he informed them, is the only son of the late Don Rafael Ibarra, and who has recently
arrived from his studies in Europe.  Crisostomo was puzzled when Padre Damaso, whom he thought
was a friend of his father, arrogantly denied that he was ever a friend of Don Rafael Ibarra.

Chapter 3: The Dinner

At the dinner over Tinola, the conversation of the guests centered on Crisostomo’s travels to several
countries.  The guests were impressed by the talents of young Ibarra, except the fat priest, Padre
Damaso, who was not in a good mood, as he got a bony neck and a hard wing of the chicken tinola.
Padre Damaso enjoyed irritating Ibarra, he belittled his trips, saying that what he has learned from
those trips can be learned even without leaving the country.  Embarrassed, Ibarra excused himself
from the guests and left, even after Capitan Tiago informed him that Maria Clara will be coming over
for dinner.

Chapter 4: Heretic and Filibuster

While walking towards Plaza Binondo, Crisostomo was approached by Lieutenant Guevara, from
whom he learned the sad story of his father’s tragic death in San Diego. The Lieutenant narrated the
event to him, saying that Don Rafael Ibarra was imprisoned for killing a Spanish tax collector*, for not
going to confession, and for subscribing to the newspaper El Correo Ultramar.  He also mentioned
that Don Rafael was branded as a heretic, a filibuster, and a subversive, and because of these
accusations, Crisostomo’s father died while in prison. Ibarra thanked the Lieutenant for his
information and vowed to investigate and find the truth.

*Don Rafael was a kind and noble man, who defended a helpless boy from the brutality of an illiterate Spanish
tax collector who was accidentally killed by him. He was then thrown to prison where he died an unhappy man.

Chapter 5: A Star in the Dark Night

Ibarra went to Fonde de Lala hotel troubled by the visions of his father who was unjustly imprisoned
and who died without seeing him.  He imagined the anguish and grief suffered by his father while he
was studying and traveling in Europe.  

Meanwhile in the house of Capitan Tiago, Maria Clara arrived, and was admired by all guests,
especially Padre Damaso.

Chapter 6: Capitan Tiago

Capitan Tiago is one of the richest landowners in Binondo, Pampanga and Laguna.  Aside from
owning large tracts of lands, he also provides zacate, monopolizes the opium business, and holds a
contract for feeding the prisoners in the Bilibid prison.  Since he still has no child with his wife, Doña
Pia, Padre Damaso advised the Doña to attend the mass at Obando.  She eventually conceived a
child, whom they named Maria Clara, in honor of the Virgin of Salambao and Sta. Clara.

Capitan Tiago and the late Don Rafael later agreed to arrange the marriage of their children.

Chapter 7: An Idyl on an Azotea

Crisostomo Ibarra visited Maria Clara, his childhood sweetheart, at Calle Anloague. They had private
conversations at the azotea about the years that they have not seen each other. Maria Clara teased
Ibarra about the beautiful women in Germany, so the young man strived to prove his love for the
woman by showing her the old leaves given by her seven years earlier, while they had gone
swimming with his mother.  Maria Clara, in return, has read an old letter written by Ibarra before
leaving for abroad.

Chapter 8: Recollections
Ibarra’s carriage passed through the busiest district of Manila, and what he saw brought him
agitation. He had observed that the country’s condition remained the same from when he left it seven
years ago.  He found no progress achieved and reforms implemented by the government.  He saw
that the roads have not been paved and that the Puente de Barcas has been destroyed by neglect.  

Afterwards, seeing the Arroceros Cigar factory, the Botanical Garden, and the Bagumbayan brought
back fond memories of him.
Chapter 9: Local Affairs
This chapter features the three conversations between Padre Damaso and Capitan Tiago, between
Padre Sibyla and an unmanned priest, and between the Governor-General and his men.  
1. Angry at not being informed of the arranged marriage between Crisostomo and Maria Clara,
Padre Damaso wanted to stop the marriage planned for the lovers.  Capitan Tiago obeyed the
priest, and extinguished the candles that were lit for Ibarra’s journey to San Diego.  
2. Padre Sibyla and an unnamed priest discussed the dangerous implication to the country of
Crisostomo Ibarra’s foreign education.  
3. The Governor-General revealed to his men that he is unhappy with the situation in the
Philippines, but he is helpless in changing the conditions of the country.

Chapter 10: The Town

San Diego, a town along Laguna Lake, produces sugar, rice, coffee, and fruit, which are sold to
Chinese merchants.  Aside from its meadows and paddy fields, the town has a forest with old trees
and tropical vegetation which was purchased by a Spaniard, the great grandfather of Juan Crisostomo
Ibarra.

Chapter 11: The Rulers

Two persons virtually ruled the town of San Diego: Padre Bernardo Salvi and the Alferez of the
Guardia Civil, Padre Salvi is described as a thin, sickly, and silent friar and, unlike Padre Damaso, he is
more inclined to impose fines on his subordinates.  The Alferez has a wife named Doña Consolacion.
Because of his bad marriage to the Doña, he is frequently drunk and compels his soldiers to drill
under the hot sun.

Chapter 12: All Saints

Two gravediggers conversed in the San Diego cemetery.  One of them mentioned that he was
ordered by a fat curate to dig up the body of a person buried in the cemetery, and to rebury it in the
Chinese cemetery.  But since it was raining, he just dumped the body into the river. Tasio, the sage,
arrived at the cemetery in the middle of the conversation, unsuccessfully searching for the skull of his
dead wife.

Chapter 13: Signs of Storm

Crisostomo Ibarra and his servant arrived at San Diego cemetery to look the grave of his father, Don
Rafael Ibarra.  After failing to locate the grave, his servant asked the gravedigger for help.  The
gravedigger replied that he had dug up the body of the don to bury it in a Chinese cemetery, as
instructed by Padre Damaso, but the plan had failed for it was dark and rainy so they simply threw
the body to the river instead. Angered upon hearing the account, Crisostomo left.  At the cemetery
gate, he met Padre Salvi and attacked the Curate, whom he has had mistaken for Padre Damaso.

Chapter 14: Tasio: Lunatic or Sage

After leaving the cemetery, Tasio, the philosopher who seemed to live beyond his time, wandered
about the street aimlessly.  People who could not understand him called him “Tasio, the lunatic”.
Nevertheless, he was a very good teacher but complained of the disinterest of the pupils to learn
because of the lack of proper school building, and the discouraging attitude of the parish priest in
both the teaching of Spanish and the use of modern methods of teaching. In his wander, he saw two
boys aged ten and seven, and told them that their mother has prepared meals for them to be taken
when they get home.  Don Filipo Lino, the teniente-mayor and the leader of the liberal faction in the
town, invited Tasio to his house, and a discussion on the existence of purgatory followed.  Tasio
thinks that the place called purgatory does not exist since neither the bible nor Jesus Christ mentions
it.

Chapter 15: The Sacristans

Crispin and Basilio are sacristans of the church at San Diego.  The two are worried since the Sacristan
Mayor (the chief sacristan) and the Curate has accused Crispin of stealing the money of the priest,
and so the latter has to remain in the church until the money is returned.  
Crispin complains about the frequent beating and whipping he receives.  After ringing the church
bells, the Sacristan Mayor would beat Crispin to make him confess his crime.

Chapter 16: Sisa

Sisa, former rich girl who married a man below her station, also a gambler and a wastrel, waited for
her two sons, Crispin and Basilio whom she loved dearly.  Knowing that they are hungry, she
prepared a meal consisting of duck leg, wild boar’s meat, tomatoes and five pieces of fish.  Her
husband arrived, and ate all the food, leaving only three pieces of fish.  She patiently waited for
Crispin and Basilio and was surprised when, during the night, Basilio arrived without his brother.

Chapter 17: Basilio

Basilio arrived home wounded from a gunshot fired at him by the Guardia Civil. Basilio told his mother
that Crispin stayed in the convent due to the curate’s accusation. They have accused Crispin of
stealing two gold pieces.

In his dream, Basilio saw Crispin tortured and killed by the Curate and the Sacristan Mayor.

Chapter 18: Souls in Torment

In the convent, some women conversed about purgatory and the number of plenary indulgences that
they have acquired. Sisa arrived, bringing with her the vegetables to appease the Curate into
forgiving her son Crispin. A sacristan told her that Crispin is no longer in the church, and that the
Guardia Civil are now searching for her two sons, after the Curate reported them to the authorities for
stealing.

Chapter 19: A Schoolmaster’s Difficulties

Ibarra converses with a schoolmaster who was helped by his father. The schoolmaster narrated the
obstacles that he encountered in teaching the children. He informed Ibarra that the town lacks
facilities such as a school building and necessary teaching equipment. His work was also hindered by
the stubbornness of the former town Curate, Padre Damaso.

Chapter 20: The Meeting in the Townhall

The town officials ordered a meeting in the town hall to discuss the fiesta celebration. The council
unanimously approved Don Filipo’s proposal, but the Gobernadorcillo unfortunately opposed, telling
them that the curate’s alternate proposal must be followed instead. Although the council didn’t like
the Curate’s proposal, they were powerless to stop the implementation of the plan. Don Filipo and
Tasio, the sage, went home dejected.

Chapter 21: The Story of a Mother

Sisa arrived at her house and found the Guardia Civil looking for her sons. After vainly searching for
Crispin and Basilio, the Guardia Civil decided to arrest Sisa in order to compel her sons to surrender
and return the money they have stolen. Due to the anguish and public humiliation Sisa have suffered,
she lost her mind.

Chapter 22: Lights and Shadows

Maria Clara had conversations with Ibarra near a window overlooking the lake. Ibarra invited Maria
Clara, her friends, and Padre Salvi to a picnic in the woods. Maria Clara was delighted, and Padre
Salvi accepted the invitation to prove that he has no ill feelings towards Ibarra.

Chapter 23: Fishing

Ibarra and Maria Clara, together with Capitan Tiago, Isabel, Siniang, Iday, Neneng, Capitana Tika,
Andeng, Albino and other friends, went fishing at the lake. With them was Elias, the boatman, who
was a strong and silent youth. To entertain them, Andeng played the harp, while Maria Clara sang a
sad love song. In one of the fish cages, the men discovered that the fishing nets have entangled a
crocodile. Elias jumped into the lake and was attacked by the crocodile caught in the fish corral.
When it was already difficult to subdue, Ibarra jumped into the water and killed the crocodile saving
Elias’s life. Afterwards, they went ashore and made merry in the cool meadow, where the town
officials gathered to join them.
Chapter 24: In the Wood
Padre Salvi heard some voices while passing near a stream on his way to the picnic organized by
Ibarra. He hid behind a tree, and spied on Maria Clara and her friends while they bathe.

After the meal, Ibarra and Capitan Basilio played chess while Maria Clara and her friends played the
“Wheel of Chance”, a game based on telling fortunes. The happy event was marred when Padre Salvi
came and tore the book to pieces, saying that it was the work of the devil.

It was also at this time that a sergeant and four soldiers of the guardia civil suddenly arrived, looking
for Elias who was suspected of (1) assaulting Padre Damaso and (2) throwing the Alferez into a
mudhole. Fortunately, Elias had disappeared. Matching the incident was the arrival of the telegram
from the Spanish government accepting Ibarra’s offer of donation for the school building for the
children in San Diego.

Chapter 25: In the House of the Sage

Happy over the prospect, Ibarra consulted Tasio about the project. Tasio, as wise as he was, was
pessimistic about the project. He gave Ibarra an advice not to pursue the project for he’d incur the ire
of the friars and other government officials who would do everything in their power to ruin him.
However, the construction of the school building starter under the provision of an architect.

Chapter 26: The Eve of the Fiesta

During the preparation of the celebration in honor of the patron saint, San Diego de Alcala, people
are busy preparing food while Ñor Juan supervises the workmen laying the cornerstone and building
the foundation of the proposed school building. Some individuals volunteered to contribute toward
the construction of the school, some promised to pay the teacher, while others offered their services
for free. Ibarra remained optimistic that his endeavor will succeed, while Tasio advised him to be
cautious.

Chapter 27: In the Twilight

Maria Clara and Ibarra, together with their friends, went for a walk. They met a leper on their way
and in an act of compassion, Maria Clara gave her locket to the sick man.

Chapter 28: Correspondence

This chapter features the three letters between a correspondent and his friend, between Capitan
Martin and Luis Chiquito, and between Ibarra and Maria Clara.
1. The correspondent vividly described to his friend the fiesta and the many events that have
taken place in San Diego.
2. Capitan Martin narrated to Luis Chiquito the good fortune of Capitan Tiago in winning a game
of cards.
3. Maria Clara revealed that she is worried that Ibarra is sick, and sent Andeng to make some
tea for her sweetheart.

Chapter 29: The Morning

A procession is held during the last day of the fiesta, where the people paraded the images of San
Diego de Alcala, St. Francis, and the Virgin. The people in the procession are greeted by the sound
of firecrackers, songs, and religious prayers.

Chapter 30: In the Church

The noisy parishioners tried to push one another while dipping their hands in the holy water. Padre
Salvi officiated the mass with Padre Damaso giving the sermon. The people are waiting for the
sermon of Padre Damaso, when they noticed that the Alcalde’s uniform looked similar to the costume
worn by one of the actors in a play.

Chapter 31: The Sermon

In his sermon, Padre Damaso reprimanded some natives who, after receiving education in Manila and
in Europe, are now contented in not kissing the hands of a friar and not offering him the honor due to
his rank. Padre Damaso declared that these individuals would get what they deserve and that God
would punish them for their wicked acts. At the end of the sermon, Elias approached Ibarra, and
warned him that his life is in danger and informed him of the plot to kill him during the laying of the
cornerstone of the stone building.

Chapter 32: The Derrick

Ibarra, the Alcalde, and other individuals, went to the site of the proposed school to lay the
cornerstone of the building. The Alcalde threw some mortar on the stone, followed by the curate and
the Alferez. When it was Ibarra’s turn to cement the cornerstone, the derrick suddenly fell apart,
dropping the heavy block of stone. Ibarra was saved by Elias, who pushed him suddenly aside, and
killed the suspected plotter instead.

Chapter 33: Free Thoughts

Elias visited Ibarra at his house and informed him that many enemies are out to ruin him, as
confirmed by the incident with the derrick. Because of Ibarra’s education and beliefs, Elias warned
him that many people would want him dead. Elias affirms that he is only paying his debt, since
Ibarra saved him from being killed by the crocodile.

Chapter 34: The Dinner

A sad incident occurred at dinnee when Padre Damaso, in the presence of many guests, belittled
Ibarra for building a school. Ibarra remained silent, but when Padre Damaso insulted his father’s
honor, Ibarra lunges at the curate with a knife in hand that would have killed the priest if not because
of the timely intervention of Maria Clara.

Chapter 35: Comments

The incident between Padre Damaso and Ibarra became the talk of the town. The town captain
criticized Ibarra for his lack of self-control, while others opined that Ibarra will be branded as a
filibuster and will be ex-communicated by the Church. Don Filipo and Capitana Maria, however, both
agreed that Ibarra did the right thing in protecting his father’s honor and memory.

Chapter 36: The First Cloud

Arriving from the convent, Capitan Tiago told Maria Clara and Tia Isabel that he had already agreed
to cancel his daughter’s wedding engagement to Ibarra. Capitan Tiago added that Maria Clara must
forget Ibarra, since she would now marry a relative of Padre Damaso.

Chapter 37: His Excellency

The Governor-General converses with Ibarra about the dinner incident. He assures Ibarra that he will
be protected by the government from the evil intentions of the friars and religious corporations. The
Governor-General promised that he would talk to the archbishop regarding Ibarra’s excommunication,
while advising Capitan Tiago not to break his daughter’s engagement to the young man.

Chapter 38: The Procession

Another procession is held, where the town displayed the images of St. John, St. Francis, San Diego,
and the Virgin. Tasio saw the ragged and poor clothing of the saints and sarcastically remarked that
the saints would be ashamed if they would see the lifestyle of their fellow servants of God.

Chapter 39: Doña Consolacion

Doña Consolacion, the Alferez’s wife, called Sisa to sing. The Doña maltreated Sisa by whipping when
her when she refused to dance. The Alferez arrived, stopped the whipping and called his servant to
feed and clothe the insane woman, who is to be treated by a doctor hired by Ibarra.

Chapter 40: Right and Might

Maria Clara, her friends, Don Filipo, and Padre Salvi were watching a play when Ibarra arrived to join
them. Padre Salvi ordered Don Filipo to prohibit Ibarra from watching the play, since he had been
excommunicated, and his presence would corrupt the people. Padre Salvi walked out when Don
Filipo refuses to prevent Ibarra from watching the play.
Chapter 41: Two Visits
Elias informed Ibarra that Maria Clara is sick with fever. Later, a man named Lucas then arrived,
asking for money for his brother who was killed in the derrick. Ibarra told him to come back that
afternoon since he’s still be meeting with a sick person.

Chapter 42: The Espadañas

Don Tiburcio de Espadaña and his wife Victorina, together with Linares, a distant relative of Padre
Damaso, arrived at the house of Capitan Tiago to treat Maria Clara. Doña Victorina speaks highly of
Linares, telling Capitan Tiago that he has come to the Philippines to seek work and to find a wife.
The fake doctor Espadaña prescribed some medicines for Maria Clara, as they wait for Padre Damaso
to arrive.

Chapter 43: Plans

Linares introduced himself to Padre Damaso as the godson of his brother-in-law. Linares claimed that
he graduated with a law degree from a university and that he has come to the Philippines to find
work and to look for a rich heiress. Upon hearing this, Padre Damaso called Capitan Tiago. In spite
of the encouragement of Father Damaso in favor of the young Spaniard, Maria Clara refused for she
loved Ibarra. Lucas, meanwhile, approached Padre Salvi to ask for help, being the brother of the
yellowish man who was killed when the derrick collapsed.

Chapter 44: An Examination of Conscience

Padre Salvi mentioned that Padre Damaso will be transferred to a town in Tayabas. Since Maria Clara
is still sick, the Curate suggested that Maria Clara makes her confession. Tia Isabel agreed with the
Curate, and prepared Maria Clara for her confession. After hearing Maria Clara’s confession, Padre
Salvi went out of the room looking gloomy, with his forehead covered with perspiration.

Chapter 45: The Hunted

Elias went to Tanauan, Batangas, to converse with Capitan Pablo, the leader of some bandits. Elias
asked Capitan Pablo to stop committing violent acts against the government, since they can get the
help of Ibarra in obtaining justice and implementing some reforms for the country.

Chapter 46: The Cockpit

At the cockpit arena, Lucas approached Bruno and Tarsilo, recruiting them to attack the town
barracks. Lucas’s goal was to bring about Rizal’s ruin, so they engineered an attack on the barracks of
the Guardia Civil and maneuvered the incident so that Ibarra would get the blame. Lucas also
declared through the planed attack, they can exact their revenge on the members of the guardia civil
who killed their father.

Chapter 47: The Two Señoras

Doña Victorina and Don Tiburcio passed by the house of the Alferez, as Doña Consolacion, the
mistress of the Spanish Alferez, mocked and ridiculed Doña Espadaña and her crippled husband. The
two women started exchanging insults using the language of the slums which almost came to
physical blows had they not been averted by the arrival of the Alferez and Padre Salvi.

Chapter 48: The Enigma

Ibarra wished to inform Maria Clara that his excommunication was lifted, but upon arriving at the
woman’s house, he saw Maria Clara with Linares. He was invited to come into the house, but he
visited the site of the school building instead, asking the supervisor, Ñor Juan, about its progress.

Chapter 49: The Voice of the Hunted

Elias meets Ibarra at the lakeside. He narrated the conversation he has had with Capitan Pablo. Elias
told Ibarra that because of his education and position in the society, he can ask the Spanish
government to implement radical reforms such as fewer privileges for religious corporations, security
for a citizen and more respect for a man’s dignity. Ibarra objected, saying that such institutions as
the priesthood, religious corporations, and the Guardia Civil, are necessary evils that must be
tolerated by the society.

Chapter 50: The Voice of the Hunted

Elias narrated his story and the misfortunes of his ancestors. His great grandfather, he recounts,
worked as a bookkeeper for a Spaniard, when he was accused of arson, and was flogged and
paraded in the streets of Manila. Shamed and disgraced, his wife became a prostitute, while one of
the sons became a notorious bandit. The other son traveled from town to town until he was hired as
a laborer, and married a rich woman. Elias and his sister were born of this marriage, and both were
educated in Manila. But when their family lost everything, Elias’s sister committed suicide, while he
roamed the provinces as a hunted and lonely man.

Chapter 51: Exchanges

Padre Salvi informed Linares, Maria Clara, and Capitan Tiago that Ibarra’s excommunication has been
lifted, and the last obstacle to be hurdled is for Ibarra to ask for forgiveness from Padre Damaso.
Ibarra asked Sinang if Maria Clara is angry with him and insisted that to speak with Maria Clara.

Chapter 52: The Cards of the Dead and the Shadows

Three men are in the cemetery waiting for Lucas. They discussed their impending attack on the
barracks and the church, which they believe is organized by Ibarra. Lucas arrived and instructed
them to attack the church and the barracks, shouting “Viva! Don Crisostomo”. Elias, after following
Lucas, learned about the attack that will implicate Ibarra’s.

Chapter 53: Il Buon Dí Si Conosce Da Mattina

Don Filipo visited Tasio the sage, who’s ill. He told Tasio that he has resigned from his position
because he is fed up with the Gobernadorcillo’s ineptitude. Tasio praises the don’s action, saying that
resistance must be used not only against the Gobernadorcillo but against all persons who abuse their
authority.

Chapter 54: Revelations

Padre Salvi warned the Alferez about an impending attack on the town. He informed the Alferez to
ready his men and to send four soldiers to guard the church. Elias alerted Ibarra on the imminent
attack on the town that will be blamed on him. He helped Ibarra dispose some of the letters that
could implicate him. In one of these letters, Elias discovered that Ibarra’s great grandfather was the
Spaniard who had accused his great grandfather of arson.

Chapter 55: The Catastrophe

Ibarra entered Capitan Tiago’s house, as soon as he heard shots fired near the convent. Ibarra
returned to his house, and is arrested by the Guardia Civil. Seeing what had happened, Elias entered
Ibarra’s house, and intentionally set fire to destroy any evidence that could implicate Ibarra in the
failed attack.

Chapter 56: Rumors and Beliefs

Rumors circulated in the terrified town, after the eventful night. Some people assumed that Don
Filipo and Crisostomo Ibarra have been arrested by the Guardia Civil, while others think that some
bandits were caught in the night.

Chapter 57: Vae Victis!

The Guardia Civil imprisoned the individuals implicated in the failed attack. They tortured Tarsilo to
obtain a confession from him and to make him disclose the mastermind of the failed attack. But
Tarsilo remained silent up to his death.

Chapter 58: The Accursed

The crying relatives of those arrested waited outside the barracks of the Guardia Civil. Ibarra,
together with the other prisoners, were led out of their cells to be transported to the provincial
capital. Along the way, Ibarra is cursed, stoned, and ridiculed by the people, blaming him for their
misfortunes and hardships.

Chapter 59: Patriotism and Private Interests

The people of Manila discussed the failed rebellion falsely blamed on Ibarra. The friars praised Padre
Salvi for alerting the authorities about the rebellion, while others criticized the Jesuits, who declared
that Ibarra had been educated at the Ateneo.

Chapter 60: Maria Clara Weds

Capitan Tiago invited guests and visitors to celebrate the impending marriage of Maria Clara and
Linares. Meanwhile, Elias went to prison and helped Ibarra escape, together in banca. But before he
made good his escape, he stopped at Capitan Tiago’s house to say goodbye to his childhood
sweetheart. Maria Clara who went to the azotea by chance, saw Crisostomo leaping out from a boat.
She asked Crisostomo for forgiveness since she is about to get married to someone else, but declares
that she would never forget her vow of faithfulness to him. Ibarra told Maria Clara that he forgives
her and declares that he has no resentment over Maria Clara for giving up his letters which the
Spanish authorities used as evidence against him, while Maria Clara revealed that the letters were in
exchange with a letter from her late mother, Pia Alba, which Father Salvi, in return gave her. From
the letter, her real father’s identity was revealed, who turned out to be Padre Damaso.

Chapter 61: The Chase on the Lake

Upon Ibarra’s return to the banca, they were seen by a police boat with the Guardia Civil on board,
who pursue them. Fearing that the police board will overtake them, Elias jumped into the river to
mislead the pursuers. The soldiers fired at Elias and the waters in the River turned red which was
indicative of Elias being hit. With the help of Elias, Ibarra was able to escape.

Chapter 62: Padre Damaso Explains

Maria is distraught when she learns that Ibarra has been killed while trying to escape. Out of
desperation, Maria Clara asked Padre Damaso to break her marriage engagement and to permit her
to enter the nunnery. After vainly arguing with Maria Clara, Padre Damaso gave his permission.

Chapter 63: Christmas Eve

Basilio returned to San Diego to look for his insane mother. Upon seeing her in the town, he ran
after her until they entered the forest owned by the Ibarras. Sisa died, after eventually recognizing
her son. When Basilio regained consciousness, Elias, who was able to reach the shore and staggered
into the forest after being shot, ordered Basilio to build a pyre for his mother and for him, to which
Basilio did. It was Christmas eve when Sisa and Elias were burned to ashes, as as Elias laid dying in
the pyre, he murmured softly the words: “I die without seeing the dawn brighten over my native
land. You, who it to see, welcome it – and forget not those who have fallen during the night.

Chapter 64: Epilogue

The novel ends as mentioned in the epilogue with Maria Clara entering the Sta. Clara nunnery, where
Padre Salvi regularly preaches and holds an important office, to show her loyalty and love for Ibarra.
Padre Salvi left the parish for San Diego. Padre Damaso was reassigned as parish priest to a distant
province but was found dead the day after. Capitan Tiago, a respected man with power and wealth
later ended up an opium addict. The Alferez who has been promoted as a 2nd lieutenant, went back
to Spain, leaving his wife, Doña Consolacion, behind. Doña Victorina, the termagant wife of Don
Tiburcio, still tried to live the life of a Spanish woman but ended up with a poor eyesight, while her
cousin Linares, who failed to win Maria Clara’s hand, died of dysentery and was buried in Paco
cemetery.

Two Spanish guards saw an insane nun standing at the top of the Sta. Clara convent during a raging
storm. When the authorities tried to investigate the nun’s case, the abbess prohibited the inquiry,
invoking the name of Religion and the Holy Statutes.

ANALYSIS OF THE NOLI

The Noli was a true story in terms of Philippine conditions prevailing that time in the country, during
the last decades of the Spanish rule. It was said that the places, the situations, the characters, and
the facts existed and were true.

The characters of the novel had correspondence with the persons living during that time. Maria Clara
was Leonor Rivera, although Leonor did not enter the nunnery, but married a man chosen by her
mother; Elias represented Rizal himself, Tasio the Philosopher was Paciano, his elder brother; Padre
Salvi was Rizalist as Father Antonio Piernavieja, the hated Augustinian friar who was killed during the
Revolution; Capitan Tiago was Capitan Sunico Hilario of San Nicolas; Doña Victorina was Doña
Agustina Medel. The two brothers were the Crisostomo brothers of Hagonoy; while Father Damaso
was the typical domineering, immoral and arrogant friar during Rizal’s time.

The missing chapter in the novel definitely following XXIV. “Elias and Salome" which was deleted by
Rizal for the simple reason of economy. It must be remembered that Rizal had difficulty in having the
novel printed for financial reasons. The missing chapter is the story where sweethearts Elias and
Salome bade each other goodbye after he had saved Ibarra from his Spanish pursuers and he had
been shot and was seriously wounded. In the final manuscript that was published, Elias was burned
with Sisa in a funeral pyre.

The Noli is a great novel, written in a beautiful language, the words coming from a man of passion
and feeling and who had experienced the bitterness as well as the happiness of life.

The novel caused a stir in the Spanish community, and one of those who was outspoken in his
criticism of the novel was Father Jose Rodriguez, and to which Rizal wrote a witty satirical booklet
entitled “La Vision del Fray Rodriguez,” using one of his pen names – Dimas Alang. He also wrote
another satirical work in defense of the charges of another priest, Father Ponce, who was responsible
for the banning of the novel.

Most of the characters of the Fili are carried over from the Noli

My heart is again wrapped with disappointment that due to the limited time allotted to this course
and considering the length of the novels, the full versions will not be introduced. Instead, the
summary of events for each chapter will be discussed below.

EL FILIBUSTERISMO

Rizal had begun writing the Fili in October, 1887, while practicing medicine in Calamba, the following
year (1888), in London, he made some changes in the plot and corrected some chapters already
written. He wrote more chapters in Paris and Madrid, and finished the manuscript in Biarritz on March
29, 1891. It took him, therefore, three years to write his second novel

On July 5, 1891, Rizal left Brussels for Ghent, a famous university city in Belgium. Rizal reasons for
moving to Ghent were:

(1) the cost of printing in Ghent was cheaper than in Brussels; and
(2) to escape from the enticing attraction of Petite Suzanne.

F. Meyer-Van Loo Press (No. 66 Viaanderen Street) is the printing shop that gave Rizal the lowest
quotation for the publication of his novel, who was willing to print his book on installment basis. On
August 6, 1891, the printing of his book had to be suspended because Rizal could no longer give the
necessary funds to the printer. Fortunately, Valentin Ventura became the savior of the Fili. When he
learned of Rizal’s predicament, he immediately sent him the necessary funds.

Finally, El Filibusterismo came off press on September 18, 1891. Rizal immediately sent on this date
two printed copies to Hong Kong—one for Basa and the other for Sixto Lopez. Rizal gratefully
donated the original manuscript and an autographed printed copy to Valentin Ventura.
After its publication, La Publicidad, a Barcelona newspaper, published a tribute eulogizing the novel’s
original style which “is comparable only to the sublime Alexander Dumas” and may well be offered as
“a model and a precious jewel in the now decadent literature of Spain”. The novel was also serialized
in a liberal Madrid newspaper, El Nuevo Regimen, in its issues on October, 1891

El Filibusterismo is a sequel to the Noli. Compared to the first novel, it is less romantic, less idealistic,
more revolutionary and more open of its feelings against the Motherland. Rizal dedicated his novel to
the three martyr priests, Fathers Gomez, Burgos and Zamora (Don Mariano Gomez, 73 years old; Don
Jose Burgos, 35 years old; Jacinto Zamora, 37 years old).

Most of the characters of the Fili are carried over from the Noli, although the names of some of them
we changed. There was Doña Victorina, the pro-Spanish woman and her henpecked husband,
Tiburcio de Espadaña, who had deserted her; Padre Salvi, the Franciscan friar and former cura of San
Diego; and Basilio, son of Sisa, who is a medical student supported by Capitan Tiago.

On the other hand, there were new characters in the novel among which are:
Paulita Gomez – the niece of Doña Victorina
Ben-Zayb – a Spanish anti-Filipino journalist
Padre Sybila – Vice Rector of the University of Santo Tomas
Padre Camorra – the parish priest of the town of Tianni
Don Custodio – a Filipino, but pro-Spanish and holding a high position in the government
Padre Irene – a kind priest who is friendly to the Filipinos
Padre Florentino – a retired and scholarly patriotic Filipino priest
Isagani – poet-nephew of Father Florentino and the lover of Paulita
Juanita Pelaez – the groom of Paulita
Chinese Quiroga – who wanted to be the consul of Manila.

Chapter 1: On Deck
The novel begins with the steamship Tabo sailing on the Pasig River on its way to Laguna one
December morning. While the passengers on the upper deck discussed subjects regarding the lake
and the slow pace of ship travel, readers are gradually introduced to some characters of the novel
such as the jeweler Simoun, Doña Victorina, Ben Zayb, Don Custodio, Padre Irene, Sibyla, Camorra,
and Salvi.

Chapter 2: Below Deck

Below deck we find those belonging to the lower rungs of the social ladder. Unlike the airy upper
deck, the conditions below deck are far from comfortable because of the heat from the boilers and
the stifling stench of various nose crinkling scents.

On the lower deck of the steamship were Basilio and Isagani who were in conversation with Don
Basilio. The students told the Don about their plans of establishing a Spanish academy. Although
they were hopeful that the academy would be approved by the Governor-General, courtesy of Father
Irene, Don Basilio expressed his pessimism.

Chapter 3: Legends
Still aboard on the steamship Tabo, the wealthy passengers amused themselves by telling stories and
legends of interesting places and spots along the river. Padre Florentino (Isagani’s uncle) recounts
the legend of Doña Jeronima, while Padre Salvi narrates the story of a Chinese infidel who was saved
from the caymans by asking St. Nicholas for help. A moment later, Ben-Zayb then asked the captain
the exact spot where a man named Ibarra was killed. While pointing to the exact spot, Ben Zayb
observed that Simoun was silent and thoughtful.

Chapter 4: Cabesang Tales

Selo, who adopted Basilio in the forest, is now quite old. His son, Cabesang Tales, is the father of
Lucia. Cabesang Tales, the head of the barangay, grew rich through hard work and perseverance. He
started by partnering with an investor. After saving some money, Cabesang Tales inquired about a
place in the forest. After verifying that there were no owners, he planted sugarcane there. He wanted
to send Juli to college in order to match the educational attainment of Basilio, her sweetheart.

When he is about to harvest his crops, a religious order laid claim to the land and demanded annual
rent. Tales eventually agreed to the arrangement, but every year the rent keeps going up until he
has had enough. He went to the courts and demanded that the religious order present some proof of
their ownership of the land. After a long and expensive litigation, Tales lost the case. He was
unfortunately abducted by bandits demanding ransom. Not enough money was raised for the
ransom, so Juli, the daughter of Cabesang Tales, sold all her jewelry to raise funds. All, that is, except
for a locket* given to her by Basilio. The funds raised still seemed not enough so she borrowed
money from Hermana Penchang and to pay the debt, Juli agreed to work for the Hermana as a
servant.

*Maria Clara (in the Noli Me Tangere) became a nun after she was not allowed to marry Ibarra. She gave a
locket to a leper who later gave it to Basilio after he treated the leper. Basilio, in turn, offered the locket to his
sweetheart, Juli (Juliana).

Chapter 5: A Cochero’s Christmas Eve

On the way to the town of San Diego, a cochero (a rig driver or the guy who drives the karitela or
horse-driven carriage) endured abuse and maltreatment from the Guardia Civil. He was hit with a
rifle butt when he told them he has forgotten to bring his cedula with him. He is detained and beaten
up again when the light of his carromata went out. Due to the abuse and maltreatment received by
the cochero, Basilio got delayed in his trip to Capitan Tiago's house. Upon his arrival, he received the
news that Cabesang Tales has been abducted by bandits.

Chapter 6: Basilio
At Christmas Eve, Basilio secretly made his way to the forest previously owned by the Ibarra family
but has been sold to Capitan Tiago. In the middle of the forest stands a Balete tree, where he visited
the grave of his mother Sisa and a stranger (Elias). He remembered that thirteen years ago, he was
hunted as a fugitive along with his brother Crispin who is now dead; the reason why Basilio has to
keep his past a secret. He also remembered how a second stranger (Ibarra) helped him cremate and
bury his mother and the stranger (Elias). Through Capitan Tiago’s help, he is now studying to be a
doctor and plans to marry his sweetheart, Juli.

Chapter 7: Simoun
Basilio is about to leave the forest when he saw someone approaching and then started digging near
the Balete tree. He announced his presence and is surprised that the man turned out to be Simoun
the jeweler, who is none other than Crisostomo Ibarra. Simoun convinced Basilio to cooperate in his
plans of avenging the death of his mother (Sisa) and his younger brother (Crispin) but Basilio
remained steadfast saying that revenge would never bring back his brother and mother.

It is recalled that in the last part of the novel, Ibarra was able to escape with the help of Elias. Before
he became Simoun the jeweler, he first dug up his buried treasure and fled to Cuba where he did not
only become rich but also became an influential person with many Spanish officials as friends. After
many years, he returned to the Philippines, where he was a powerful person, moving freely around as
he was a rich man, and a close friend and adviser to the Spanish governor-general. Due to his close
association with the governor-general, he was often referred to as the “Brown Cardinal” or the “Black
Eminence”.

He, however, had ulterior motives and that actually he wanted to rescue Maria Clara from the
nunnery and to foment a revolution against the hated Spanish authorities. Using his wealth, he
bought arms from the Chinese merchant, Quiroga. After a long illness brought about by his loss of
Maria Clara, he perfected his plan of revenge.

Chapter 8: Merry Christmas!

It was Christmas day and Juli woke up early to pack her things. On her way to Hermana Penchang’s
house, she forgot to greet his grandfather Tata Selo a Merry Christmas. After Juli left, Tata Selo is
preoccupied with the thoughts of his pretty granddaughter with her delicate hands working as a
servant, his son Cabesang Tales still held by bandits, and of being alone on Christmas Day. Dwelling
on all these misfortunes, he discovered that he had become dumb.

Chapter 9: Pilates*
The gossip about the misfortunes of Tata Selo and his family quickly spread around town. A number
of people were claiming that they we’re not to blame for these misfortunes. The Alferez of the
Guardia Civil said that he was just following a government order to collect all firearms in town, thus, it
was not his fault if Tales was subsequently kidnapped. The friar who had unjustly taken away
Cabesang Tales's lands commented that if Tales had remained at home, he would never have been
abducted by the bandits. Hermana Penchang did not give sympathy for Juli’s circumstances either.
Instead, she blamed the Old Man Selo for he does not know how to pray and neither did he taught Juli
how to pray properly.

When Cabesang Tales showed up in his house. He discovered that his dad no longer speaks, that his
land was taken away, he has been evicted from his home, and that Juli is now a lowly maid.

*The chapter was titled as such for just like Pontius Pilate who had washed his hands on the matter concerning
Christ’s crucifixion, the people around town did the same thing for Tales.

Chapter 10: Wealth and Want

Simoun visited Cabesang Tales's house to sell his jewelry to the rich inhabitants of San Diego and
Tiani. Simoun showed off his revolver (pistol) to Tales before the buyers arrived. Among those who
came to take a a look at the jewelries were Capitan Basilio, Capitana Tika, Sinang (and her husband
and child), and Hermana Penchang (who wants to buy a diamond ring for the Blessed Virgin at
Antipolo).

Simoun also wanted to buy something, so he asked Cabesang Tales if he had any jewelry for sale.
Sinang, then, reminded Tales about the locket given to Juli. Cabesang Tales was convinced to sell his
daughter’s locket but was reminded by Hermana Penchang that Juli chose to become a maid over
selling the locket so he decided to get his daughter's permission first. The following day Simoun
discovered that his revolver has been stolen by Tales. Afterwards, a news circulated in town that
three persons have been murdered: the friar administrator, as well as the new tenant and his wife. A
piece of paper with the word Tales written in blood was found near the dead tenant’s wife.

Chapter 11: Los Baños

On the last day of December, the Governor-General and his advisers, together with some friars, were
taking a rest in Los Baños. After the game of cards, the Governor-General asked his advisers' opinion
about the students' proposal to put up a self-sufficient Spanish academy. There was a disagreement
of opinions, thus, no decision was made. Afterwards, the Governor-General ordered the release of
Tata Selo, who had been arrested by the Guardia Civil in place of his son, Cabesang Tales.

Chapter 12: Placido Penitente

Placido Penitente walked glumly to school. He already wished to stop schooling.  After four years I
school,he was not known nor noticed by his teachers. He was disillusioned because he was bright
and wished to learn. In his town, he was admired for his intellect. On his way to school, he met
Juanito Pelaez along the way, and talked with him for a while.  Juanito is the favorite of practically all
the teachers, and his father is a Spanish mestizo. Placido talked to the young man about his brief
vacation to Tiani with Padre Camorra, and then asked Juanito to help him catch up with the lessons
he missed the days before.

*Rizal mentioned in his memoirs that most of the students learned nothing because (a) they didn’t bring books,
(b) the classes were too big (too many students), (c) teachers held the students in low-esteem, and (d) there
were too many “No Class” days.

Chapter 13: The Class in Physics

Placido entered the class in physics conducted by Padre Millon. The class has no laboratory
equipment, while the instruments bought by the university were never used. At a class recitation,
Placido argued with the professor when he got a bad mark even if he had been marked absent. From
disgust and frustration, Placido Penitente walked out of the class.

*He is like a typical Filipino — a pacifist who prefers to suffer in silence. Will sacrifice and keep quiet just to
avoid trouble, but when pushed too far, is capable of getting openly angry and taking action.

Chapter 14: In the House of the Students

Arriving at the school dormitory, Makaraig, the owner of the house, announced that the decision to
issue the permit for building the academy has been passed to a commission headed by Don Custodio.
The students then devised schemes to influence Don Custodio or Señor Pasta, a lawyer, to give a
favorable decision. Isagani volunteered to persuade Señor Pasta to support and to endorse their
project.

Chapter 15: Señor Pasta

Isagani approached Señor Pasta to persuade him to support and endorse the students' project. Not
wishing to provoke the friars who were against the project, Señor Pasta decided to oppose it and
convinced Isagani to focus on his studies instead.

Chapter 16: The Tribulations of a Chinese

Quiroga, a Chinese businessman, hosted a dinner in his house. Friars, government officials, soldiers,
and merchants attended the dinner. Although he knows a number of people despise him and talks
behind his back, he still invites them to a dinner party above his bazaar in Escolta. Unlike Kapitan
Tiago (dinner, Noli Me Tangere), Quiroga smiles at his guests while secretly despising them deep
inside. Dinner ended and Simon arrived. Simoun asked Quiroga to store some rifles in his warehouse
in exchange for the portion of the debt that the Chinese merchant owed him.

Chapter 17: The Quiapo Fair

Twelve people left Quiroga's house to watch Mr. Leeds' show. The chapter describes the lewd
behavior of Padre Camorra, who ogled young lasses. He got more excited when he saw the beautiful
Paulita Gomez, escorted by the overly jealous Isagani and Doña Victorina.

Chapter 18: Legerdemain

Ben Zayb, Padre Camorra, Padre Salvi, and others entered the tent of Mr. Leeds to watch his show.
Mr. Leeds presented to them a box containing some ashes that had been found in one of the
pyramids of Egypt. Upon shouting a magic word, the ashes came to life and the Sphinx named
Imuthis narrated his sad story. A priest, he said, was in love with his sweetheart and in order to
eliminate him, he was implicated in a rebellion. Imuthis was then arrested but was killed in a lake
while trying to escape. Seeing the parallelism between Imuthis' story and that of Crisostomo Ibarra,
Padre Salvi quickly realized the parallelism. He fainted when the Sphinx started calling him murderer,
slanderer, and hypocrite.

Chapter 19: The Fuse

Placido Penitente met and joined Simoun in his trip around the city. Placido learned that Simoun is
organizing a revolution in order to rescue Maria Clara from the convent.

Chapter 20: The Arbiter

Don Custodio studied his decision regarding the proposal of the university students. He is undecided,
since he wants to please the friars who were against the proposal while at the same time desires to
give the students a chance to study the Spanish language. Señor Pasta and Pepay, the dancers, have
been consulted by the don, but they did not give him a concrete answer. After much contemplation,
he arrived at a decision.

Chapter 21: Manila Types

The people of Manila gathered in the Teatro de Variadades to watch Les Cloches de Corneville.
Camarrocido, who is from a prominent family in Spain, is poorly dressed and is employed in putting
up posters of upcoming shows of the Teatro. While walking near the Teatro he saw some men
suspiciously loitering around. He found out that Simoun is ordering the men to stop a civil unrest.

Chapter 22: The Performance

Humorous incidents happened at the show. Juanito Pelaez, pretending to understand French in order
to impress Paulita Gomez, was embarrassed when he mistranslated some French words. Padre Irene,
in a disguise, watched the show and applauded one of the French actresses. Don Custodio is also
present at the show, falsely claiming that he was watching the show to judge if it is indecent or not.
During the show, the students led by Macaraig learned about Don Custodio' s decision.

Chapter 23: A Corpse

Simoun did not watch the show at the theater, Basilio did not watch the show either. He was studying
at home. Basilio was reading some medical books when Simoun arrived at Capitan Tiago's house.
Simoun convinced Basilio in vain to assist in the revolution initiated by the jeweler. Simoun added
that a revolution is necessary to rescue Maria Clara at the Sta. Clara nunnery. Basilio, then, informed
Simoun of the unfortunate news of Maria Clara’s death. The outraged Simon left the house weeping,
tormented and bereaved.

Chapter 24: Dreams

Isagani met Paulita at Malecon. In their conversation, Isagani was revealed to be an idealist who
envisions progress and economic development of his country. He conversed with Paulita about
railway expansion, cooperation between Spaniards and Filipinos, and the imminent commercial trade.
Paulita dismissed these thoughts saying “they are unattainable dreams”.

Chapter 25: Smiles and Tears

The students organized a banquet at a panciteria to honor Don Custodio and his decision about the
Spanish academy. In his decision, the academy must come under the supervision of the Dominican
order and the students would simply collect contributions for the proposed school.

Chapter 26: Pasquinades

Basilio woke up early and went to the hospital. He wanted to take care of his licensure at the
university after visiting his patient. At that time, no one was given the title “Doctor”, instead, one
simply needs a license in order to help heal people as some kind of physician. In front of San Juan de
Letran, someone asked Basilio about the uprising. He remembered what Simoun said about the
students and the revolution. He saw students acting as if classes were suspended. One student
informed him that seditious and revolutionary posters were found at the university implicating the
student organization. The government has also issued the arrest of all its members and students
who participated in the banquet at the panciteria. Basilio then proceeded to the house of Makaraig to
ask for a loan, but he and Makaraig were arrested by soldiers.

Chapter 27: The Friar and the Filipino

Padre Fernandez called Isagani to discuss his involvement at the banquet in the panciteria. Their
discussion centered on the policy of the friars in educating students. Isagani argued that the friars
were deliberately teaching antiquated education in order to inhibit the aspiration of the people to be
free. He argued that people who aspired to be educated are branded as filibusters. Padre Fernandez
replied that he has done what he could and that not all friars are backward and against the idea of
educating the people. He said that education can only be bestowed only to people who are ready
and deserving.

Chapter 29: Exit Capitan Tiago

When Capitan Tiago died, Padre Irene become the executor of his will. Capitan Tiago has willed his
properties to Sta. Clara, to the pope, to the archbishop, and to religious corporations.

Chapter 30: Juli

The news of Basilio’s imprisonment deeply troubled Juli. The town clerk, Hermana Pechang, and
Hermana Bali convinced Juli to ask Padre Camorra to intercede for Basilio. She is hesitant to
approach the friar since he was known to be frolicsome and fond of women. When the news reached
Tiani that Basilio is about to be shot, Juli was compelled to ask the friar’s help.

Chapter 31: The High Official

A high official convinced the Governor-General in vain to release Basilio whom he believed was
innocent. The Governor-General insisted that innocent individuals must suffer in order to restore
order and to cow the people into submission. Because of this disagreement, the high official resigned
and went back to Spain.

Chapter 32: Effect of the Pasquinades

Because of the revolutionary and seditious posters, Pecson, Tadeo, and Juanito Pelaez were
suspended from their classes. Tadeo burned his books, while Juanito got engaged in his father’s
business. In jail, Basilio learned the sad news of Juli’s death.

Isagani’s arrest due to the poster incident triggered a change of feelings in Paulita Gomez. She was
disappointed after hearing that he surrendered himself, and started seeing him as a foolish person
who makes bad decisions and married Juanito Pelaez instead.  Simoun befriended Don Timoteo
Pelaez, who is now busy preparing for the wedding of his son to Paulita Gomez.

Chapter 33: La Ultima Razón

Basilio was released from prison and immediately approached Simoun in order to help him initiate a
revolution. Simoun was pleased that Basilio will join his cause. He directed Basilio to meet Cabesang
Tales at a designated time to acquire the rifles that were hidden in Quiroga’s warehouse. Simoun is
to place at an important gathering a dynamite-laden lamp that would then explode to signal the
attack.

Chapter 34: The Wedding

Basilio walked aimlessly in the streets of Manila to wait for the agreed signal of the revolution. He
passed through Calle Anloague where the wedding fiesta of Juanito Pelaez and Paulita Gomez was
being held. After seeing the rich decorations, the number of guards, and the important visitors that
would be coming, he assumed that this is the crucial gathering mentioned by Simoun.

Chapter 35: The Fiesta

Basilio saw Simoun placing the lamp at the center of the house. Basilio is about to leave the place
when he saw Isagani. He tried to convince Isagani to stay away from the house and explained that
the lamp from Simoun would explode killing everybody in the house. In a rare act of love and loyalty
to Paulita, he boldly rushed to the house, quickly throwing the lamp into the river to prevent it from
exploding.

Chapter 36: Ben-Zayb’s Afflictions

The Governor-General prohibits any mention of events that have taken place at the wedding fiesta of
Juanito Pelaez and Paulita Gomez. In the news that circulated around town, a band of tulisanes have
attacked a friar country house. The robbers who were caught described a Spanish mestizo as the one
who ordered them to attack the city at a designated signal. The description given by the robbers
perfectly fitted Simoun.

Chapter 37: The Mystery

The events of the previous night were discussed by Isagani, Capitana Loleng, Capitan Toringoy,
Sensia, and Chichoy. Chichoy divulged that Simoun was the mastermind behind storing the sacks of
gunpowder in order to kill all the people at the wedding feast. He also added that the lamp was to
start the fire and ignite the gunpowder.

Chapter 38: Fatality

A group of prisoners were escorted by the soldiers during the ambush. Carolino, one of the members
of the Guardia Civil and the son of Cabesang Tales, bravely fought the bandits, killing with a spear
the bandits' leader and an old man. Upon approaching the dead, he recognized that the old man is
none other than his grandfather, Tata Selo.
CONCLUSION
A wounded and exhausted Simoun went to Padre Florentino's house to hide from the Guardia Civil
who were out to arrest him. After taking a poison, he informed Padre Florentino of his true identity.
He said that he is the fugitive Juan Crisostomo Ibarra and that he planned the unsuccessful attempt
to corrupt the government in order to start a revolution that would free the country. Padre Florentino
reprimanded Simoun, saying that freedom cannot be won through violence and bloodshed but by
education, constant work, and suffering.

ANALYSIS OF THE NOLI

The characters in El Filibusterismo were drawn by Rizal from real life. Padre Florentino was Father
Leoncio Lopez, Rizal’s friend and priest of Calamba; Isagani, the poet was Vicente Ilustre,
Batangueño friend of Rizal in Madrid and Paulita Gomez, the girl who loved Isagani but married
Juanito Pelaez, was Leonor Rivera.

People always look at the El Filibusterismo through the Noli. In terms of structure, the former is
shorter. It has only 38 chapters against that of the former. Dr. Rafael Palma, Dr. Blumentritt and
Graciano Lopez-Jaena considered the Fili superior to the other for its easy and correct dialogue, its
clear phraseology, vigorous and elegant, as for its profound ideas and sublime thoughts. Lopez Jaena,
however, was not contented with the ending of the novel, and advised Rizal to do a third one to give
a definite solution to what he referred to as the “coming of the beautiful day of our redemption.”
Mariano Ponce, on the other hand, claimed that the Fili was more superior than the Noli when he
said, “It is indeed excellent. I can say nothing to your book but this: It is really marvelous like all the
brilliant productions of your pen. It is a true twin of the Noli.”

The third opinion is best expressed by Zaide, when he said that:

“The issue of which is the superior novel – the Noli or the Fili is purely academic. Both are good
novels from the point of view of history. Both depict with realistic colors the actual conditions of the
Philippines and the Filipinos during the decadent days of Spanish rule.”

Rizal attempted to write a third novel as advised by Mariano Ponce, a novel which would consecrate
on the ethical aspect of customs and traditions in the country. It was never finished. It was said that
it was best that he did not finish writing the novel, for there would have been more repercussions.

From modern literary point of view, the novels of Rizal can rate as outstanding. One goes through
them experiencing the emotions and the passions of the writer. It is quite a tragedy that Rizal had to
worry about funds for publications of his books. If he did not have that problem, probably his books
would have been written better. Rizal, even then, was a brilliant writer.

The original manuscript of El Filibusterismo in Rizal’s own handwriting is now preserved in the
Filipiniana Division of the Bureau of Public Libraries, Manila. It consists of 270 pages of long sheets of
paper.

RIZAL’S ANNOTATION OF MORGA’S SUCESOS DE LAS ISLAS FILIPINAS

As a child José Rizal heard from his uncle, José Alberto, about an ancient history of the Philippines
written by a Spaniard named Antonio de Morga. The knowledge of this book came from the English
Governor of Hong Kong, Sir John Browning, who had once paid his uncle a visit. While in London,
Rizal immediately acquainted himself with the British Museum where he found one of the few
remaining copies of that work. At his own expense, he had the work republished with annotations
that showed the Philippines was an advanced civilization prior to the Spanish conquest. Austin Craig,
an early biographer of Rizal, translated into English some of the more important of these annotations.

To the Filipinos: In Noli Me Tangere, I started to sketch the present state of our native land. But
the effect which my effort produced made me realize that, before attempting to unroll before your
eyes the other pictures which were to follow, it was necessary first to post you on the past. So only
then can you fairly judge the present and estimate how much progress has been made during the
three centuries (of Spanish rule).

Like almost all of you, I was born and brought up in ignorance of our country's past and so, without
knowledge or authority to speak of what I neither saw nor have studied, I deem it necessary to
quote the testimony of an illustrious Spaniard who in the beginning of the new era controlled the
destinies of the Philippines and had personal knowledge of our ancient nationality in its last days.

It is then the shade of our ancestor's civilization which the author will call before you... If the work
serves to awaken in you a consciousness of our past, and to blot from your memory or to rectify what
has been falsified or is calumny, then I shall not have labored in vain. With this preparation, slight
though it be, we can all pass to the study of the future.

- Jose Rizal, 1889